A recent study surveyed US adults aged 50 and older to assess their willingness to receive a Clostridioides difficile vaccine and determine how vaccine attributes influence their choices. Using a discrete choice experiment (DCE), participants evaluated hypothetical vaccine profiles based on effectiveness, duration of protection, symptom reduction, cost, dosage, and side effects. Among 1216 respondents, 58% opted for a vaccine over no vaccination, with up to 75% favoring it if out-of-pocket (OOP) costs were $0. Immunocompromised and high-risk individuals were more likely to select a Clostridioides difficile vaccine.
The study found that OOP cost (RI = 56.1), vaccine effectiveness (RI = 17.7), and symptom reduction (RI = 10.3) were the most influential factors in vaccine selection. Preferences were consistent across subgroups, suggesting that eliminating copayments could enhance vaccine uptake. Although most participants were open to receiving the vaccine, awareness of Clostridioides difficile was low, highlighting a need for healthcare providers to educate patients about prevention strategies.
Reference: Vietri J, Maculaitis MC, Cappelleri JC, et al. Preferences for a Clostridioides difficile vaccine among adults in the United States. Vaccine. 2024 Oct 24;42(24):126261. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.126261. Epub 2024 Aug 31. PMID: 39217776.
